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Celebrity Millennium to Receive $10-Million "Refreshment"

2009-05-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

Known for its exceptional style and design, Celebrity Cruises is rolling out a series of new design schemes on Celebrity Millennium during a $10-million refresh this year, beginning during its scheduled drydock period this week.

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Costa Presents a Guinness World Record Event on June 5 with Simultaneous Christening

2009-05-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

The countdown has begun to Friday, June 5 when Genoa will be hosting the big event with the joint christening of the Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica, the two new members of the Costa Cruises fleet: this Guinness record breaking event will involve the whole city in a spectacle of light and music dedicated to Italian-made excellence.

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Port of Galveston Awarded $10 Million Grant

2009-05-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

The Port of Galveston announced today that it has received a grant of $10 million from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for port improvements and harbor redevelopment in the Pier 14 – 18 area of the Port. Parts of the Port’s east end were in disrepair and suffered additional damage from Hurricane Ike

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Celebrate Alaska's 50th Anniversary

2009-05-17T10:27:00.001-07:00

From the serene Inside Passage to colossal glaciers and magnificent mountain ranges, Alaska cruises provide a vacation filled with adventure, beauty, and excitement. This year, the Great Land is celebrating its golden anniversary of statehood, and cruise lines are offering a choice of more than 40 ships, as well as over 200 shore excursions ranging from active adventure to traditional sightseeing.

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New Ideas for Family Getaways

2009-05-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Years ago, the typical family vacation involved packing up the car and driving to a destination. While this type of getaway is still the vacation of choice for some families, other options-such as cruises, international travel, and all-inclusive resorts-are becoming increasingly popular.

Following are a few ideas for your next family getaway, all of which are designed to eliminate the dreaded question, "are we there yet?"

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Discover New Zealand by Land and by Sea

2009-05-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

From friendly, modern cities to vast natural panoramas, New Zealand provides all of the components for a memorable, fun-filled vacation. And because the country's many attractions lie close together, it's possible to tour the whole country in a limited time.

Seabourn Odyssey Prepares for Maiden Voyage

2009-05-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

It won’t be long now! Seabourn Odyssey launches this June, and she looks like she’s almost ready to get going. Many veteran cruisers specifically choose cruises that provide at least a few days at sea. Seabourn Odyssey will be a great choice for the sea-loving cruiser who craves that languorous feeling of lazy leisure. There will be loads of on board activities during those days, including a great game of bridge.

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Celebrity Solstice

2009-04-19T08:24:00.001-07:00

Solstice Class accommodations set a new standard in staterooms. To accomplish this, Celebrity brought five women on board to share their insight on what a stateroom should be. As a result, Celebrity has added details that have redefined the stateroom. Some of the innovations that have set the new standard in staterooms include pastel color schemes, modular closet space to accommodate varying lengths of clothing and added storage space for accessories and luggage. In Solstice class bathrooms, showers have glass doors and ledges for easy leg shaving.

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More Options Available for Destination Weddings

2009-04-19T08:23:00.001-07:00

Destination weddings, in exotic locales, have become increasingly popular in recent years. In addition to providing picture postcard settings, destination weddings are less stressful and usually less costly than traditional weddings. With many families spread out all over the country, wedding guests routinely fly in for the ceremony. So why not have them meet in a desirable, sunny locale to share the fun and excitement?

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Spotlight on Los Cabos

2009-04-19T08:22:00.002-07:00

With nearly 360 days of sunshine each year and unsurpassed natural beauty, Los Cabos is the perfect destination for a fun-filled winter getaway.

Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and The Tourist Corridor are all part of the municipality of Los Cabos. Each location provides a variety of activities and an ambiance conducive to rest and relaxation.

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Take Advantage of Off-season Bargains in Europe

2009-04-19T08:22:00.001-07:00

Envision experiencing life in Europe feeling much more like a local. Picture yourself strolling through charming European villages while breathing in the clear, crisp air of winter or early spring. Then imagine being able to vacation in Europe for up to 20% less than a comparable summer vacation. The recent gains the dollar has made against the euro and the pound have put Europe within reach of budget travelers for the first time in years. And if you opt for escorted tours or independent packages through well-known companies such as Trafalgar and Central Holidays, you’ll realize even more savings.

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What’s New in the World of Cruising

2009-04-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

Remember when a cruise ship carrying 1200 guests was considered “big,” and portholes provided the views from you cabin? If it’s been awhile since you’ve been on a cruise, you’ll be amazed by the changes that have taken place over the past few years.

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Intro Spring 2009

2009-04-19T08:18:00.001-07:00

With spring nearly here and summer not far behind, now is the perfect time to plan your summer vacation and take advantage of the tremendous values available now. Yes, most of us have had to cut back on spending, but with all the great travel deals available, there's no need to give up your hard-earned vacation.

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Spotlight on Dominica

2009-04-19T08:17:00.002-07:00

Less developed than many of the Caribbean Islands, Dominica appeals to adventure seekers and those who appreciate the natural beauty of a tropical rainforest. From the lush mountain peaks rising to almost 5,000 feet to the numerous rivers and waterfalls, Dominica defies Caribbean stereotypes of white sand and swaying palms.

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Celebrate Alaska's 50th Anniversary

2009-04-19T08:17:00.001-07:00

New Ideas for Family Getaways

2009-04-19T08:16:00.001-07:00

Discover New Zealand by Land and by Sea

2009-04-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

Best Cruise Spot Reinvents Online Cruise Travel Planning and Booking Experience

2008-02-27T16:55:00.001-08:00

BestCruiseSpot.Com™ creates the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating innovative Web 2.0 Technologies with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise travelers worldwide. The company has introduced a variety of new features and innovations to create a website that provides the right balance between technology and the human touch.

New features include:

1. CruiseAdvantage Club™ - A Cruise Rewards program available for free to all members. By joining the CruiseAdvantage Club, member will be able to earn FREE Rewards and redeem CruisePoints for Cruise Prizes, Gift Certificates, Cruise DVDs, Specialty Dining Onboard, Cruise Memorabilia and Souvenirs, and much more!

Members can earn CruisePoints by participating in discussion forums, sharing cruise vacation photos, submitting cruise reviews, and much more!

2. Cruise Ship Reviews – Members can now use the exclusive Cruise Ship Reviews rating system to rate their cruise experience onboard. Already filled with hundreds of ship reviews, cruise traveler planning to go on a cruise can research and read real-unbiased cruise reviews rated by other members on the site. Currently there are Cruise Ship Reviews from Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Silversea Cruises.

3. Cruise Gallery – Fills with thousands of members submitted cruise photos and videos. Members can now post and shares their memorable cruise vacation photos online. Integrated with the rating and comments system, members can rate the best cruise vacation photos and videos. A monthly contest is held and the best photos and videos of the months will earn Free Cruise Rewards.

4. Cruise Talk – Thousands of members sign up and participate in the cruise discussion forums daily. Fellow cruise travelers share their cruise experience and offers advices to other fellow members in the forums. Topics include first time cruisers anxious to their first cruise vacation, cruise travelers going on a specialty Alaska Cruisetour, and cruise veterans wanting to get the latest scoops about the cruise industry.

Visitors to BestCruiseSpot.Com™ now have access to thousands of cruise sailings worldwide, over 135 ships and close to 1000 port destinations offered by 24 cruise lines. Integrated with Revelex’s powerful booking engine, cruise travelers can get access to detailed ship information, cruise line destinations, itineraries, departure dates and provides current discount pricing promotions to consumers in real-time. Content is changed daily to reflect changes in pricing, inventory, and availability. Consumers can easily search for ships and itineraries based on brand, travel date, destinations, etc. and have ability to request for a quote or book online the cruise of their choice.

BestCruiseSpot.Com™ offers consumers expert advice about cruise lines, ships, itineraries, schedules, pricing and worldwide destinations. Whether a consumer seeks adventure, pampering or complete relaxation, BestCruiseSpot.Com™ offers over 24 cruise lines, over 135 ships and close to 1000 port destinations.

For more information or to book your cruise vacation visit BestCruiseSpot.Com™ on the web at www.bestcruisespot.com, or contact Eric Lam at eric@bestcruisespot.com or call (866) 277-8618.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Eric Lam
Best Cruise Spot
Email Best Cruise Spot
866-277-8618

How to Choose a Europe Cruise

2008-02-27T16:20:00.000-08:00

With the dollar at an all-time low against the Euro, there’s never been a better time to explore Europe on a cruise ship. A European cruise enables you to see the history, art, and natural beauty of Europe without having to navigate the roads and train stations or go through the hassle of packing and unpacking at each destination you visit. And because Europe is relatively compact, you can experience many cities during the course of your cruise. Most ships sail at night and arrive in the next port of call early in the morning, allowing you a full day to sightsee—either on your own or on a shore excursion offered by the cruise line.

Read more at: How to Choose a Europe Cruise

Silversea Expands Wi-Fi Coverage Fleetwide

2007-05-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Silversea Cruises has expanded wireless Internet access to 100 percent coverage throughout its four ships, enabling guests with Wi-Fi enabled laptops and PDAs to surf the Internet and check email from their suites, as well as from public areas. Through Silversea's global satellite system, guests have access to more than 270 daily newspapers for a nominal fee. Expanded wireless Internet access is the latest in a number of enhancements the line has introduced. In January, the Silver Shadow was outfitted with Sealy Posturepedic Plush EuroTop mattresses in all standard suites, and the Owner's, Grand, Royal and Rossellini Suites now feature Stearns & Foster Plush ultra-luxury beds, which provide 10 percent more sleep surface than conventional mattresses. The new bedding is being installed aboard Silver Whisper this month and will debut aboard Silver Cloud and Silver Wind later this year. New flat screen TVs are also planned for all suites and will be installed aboard the Silver Whisper in November, the Silver Shadow in January 2008 and the rest of the fleet in subsequent months. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Carnival Splendor Opens Reservations Open for 2008

2007-05-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Carnival Cruise Lines has begun accepting reservations for its new, 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, whose inaugural 2008 season will include the line's first 12-day Northern Europe program, as well as a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing and week-long eastern Caribbean voyages. Representing a new class of vessel for the line, the 3,006-passenger SuperLiner will offer facilities such as a 21,000-square-foot health and fitness center that will feature Carnival's first thalassotherapy pool and elaborate thermal suite. Surrounding the facility will be 68 spa staterooms and suites -- another first for the line. Other highlights include a 5,500-square-foot children's play area -- the largest in the Carnival fleet - along with expanded sports and recreation facilities, including a mid-ship pool covered by a retractable dome.

The Carnival Splendor's inaugural season will kick off with a series of 12-day Northern Europe cruises operating roundtrip from London (Dover) July 13 through Aug. 30, 2008. Ports of call include Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemunde, Germany; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallin, Estonia; and Amsterdam, Netherlands. The ship will also operate on a special, one-time, 12-day western Mediterranean cruise departing London (Dover) Sept. 11, 2008, and calling at Le Havre (Paris); Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga and Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy. Following these voyages, the ship will operate a "Grand Mediterranean" cruise departing Sept. 23, 2008, and two "Mediterranean & Greek Isles" voyages roundtrip from Rome (Civitavecchia), departing Oct. 5 and 17, 2008. It will then sail on a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Oct. 29 through Nov. 14, 2008, which will position the vessel for a series of 10 seven-day, four-port "exotic" eastern Caribbean voyages beginning Nov. 22, 2008. Featured ports include Casa de Campo/La Romana, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas/St. John, U.S.V.I.; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Nassau, Bahamas. Call 800-327-9501 (individuals) or 800-327-5782 (groups) or visit www.bookccl.com.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Carnival to Rebrand Eight Fantasy-Class Ships

2007-05-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

Carnival Cruise Lines will rebrand its eight Fantasy-class ships by introducing an updated version of each ship's name on the vessel's hull, as well as in various marketing and collateral materials. The rebranding is in conjunction with the recently announced $250 million "Evolutions of Fun" ship refurbishment program. As each ship goes into drydock for refurbishment, the name "Carnival" and the company's logo will be combined with the vessel's name. "The names of the majority of Carnival's ships that entered service starting in the latter 1990s begin with ‘Carnival,' and those ships have become synonymous with expansive, high-quality amenities and features," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. "As each of our Fantasy-class ships undergoes transformation to incorporate the wide-ranging enhancements under the Evolutions of Fun initiative, it is only fitting that those vessels be rebranded to better align them with our other ships."

All marketing materials going forward will feature the new ship names Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation. As each ship goes into drydock to receive the Evolutions of Fun upgrades, signage on the ships' bow, stern and upper deck areas will be modified. Among the planned Evolutions of Fun enhancements are expansive children's water parks, a new design style and features for the pool areas, and the creation of the Serenity adults-only deck area. Also being phased in and already in place on some ships are remodeled staterooms and suites, including new bathrooms, flat-screen televisions in staterooms and some public areas, atrium lobby bars, updated sound and lighting systems in various lounges and clubs, coffee bars, nine-hole miniature golf courses, new art and photo galleries, New York-style delis in the Lido restaurants, and purpose-built conference facilities. By 2009, upgrades to the entire Fantasy class will be completed. For additional information on the Evolutions of Fun initiative, visit www.carnival.com/evolutions. For more information, call 800-327-9501 or www.bookccl.com.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

NCL America Debuts New Luau on Kauai

2007-05-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

NCL America, in partnership with Kilohana Plantation and NH Productions, last month opened its new luau and dinner show. Luau Kalamaku offers traditional Hawaiian games, arts and craft lessons, a hula show and a theatrical production. NCL passengers will have the opportunity to sample lomi lomi salmon, poi, taro bread and kalua pig catered by Gaylord's Restaurant. A ride on Kauai Plantation Railway or a vintage Clydesdale carriage is available as additional featured activities. NCL America renovated and upgraded the existing carriage house at Kilohana Plantation so it now includes a new pavilion structure and can accommodate 1,000 guests. The structure ensures the show will go on even during inclement weather. The shows for passengers will run Monday, Thursday and Saturday evenings when NCL America ships overnight in Kauai. said "Luau Kalamaku tells a tale about Hawaiian culture and values through a one-of-a-kind theatrical performance which weaves in ancient and modern dances from the Tahitian, Hawaiian and American traditions," said Robert Kritzman NCL America executive vice president and managing director of Hawaii operations. For more information, call 800-327-7030 or visit http://www.ncl.com/.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Vancouver Port Expects Busy Taxi Days May 4 & 11

2007-05-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

The Port of Vancouver is advising locals and cruise passengers to have contingency transport plans on the mornings of May 4 and May 11 due to what is projected to be unusually high demand for taxis by cruise ship passengers. Port, cruise terminal and Tourism Vancouver officials have met with local taxi companies and other service providers to plan for the increased volumes on these two days. "While this is terrific news for the local economy, we want to do everything possible to minimize the disruption to the general public and cruise passengers," said Chris Badger, vice president-customer development and operations at the Vancouver Port Authority.The increased demand is expected due to the large number of independent travelers aboard cruise ships scheduled to arrive in Vancouver at the conclusion of repositioning cruises. Repositioning cruises occur primarily at the beginning and end of the Alaska cruise season, when cruise lines relocate ships to Vancouver from their southern winter itineraries. "The Port of Vancouver remains an active proponent of an increase in the number of taxi licenses and improved regional coordination of taxi services," Badger said. "While there are positive steps being taken toward those goals, these particularly busy days highlight the need for action." As repositioning cruises tend to attract a larger number of independent travelers, who do not have pre-arranged transfers to and from the port, there is a corresponding increase in demand for taxi service. On May 4, the port projects that approximately 6,900 of the 8,800 travelers arriving at Canada Place and Ballantyne Pier will be independent. Passengers should make advance transportation arrangements or be prepared for potentially lengthy wait times. For more information, call 888-PORTVAN or visit http://www.portvancouver.com/.

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About the author: Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, www.bestcruisespot.com
For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618.

Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas Arrives in U.S.

2007-05-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Royal Caribbean International welcomed its 21st ship, the 160,000-ton Liberty of the Seas, to the U.S. on Thursday. Sharing the title of world's largest cruise ship with the Freedom of the Seas, Liberty will be the first Royal Caribbean ship to roll out enhanced onboard programming in wellness, weddings, and family and teen activities. The new programming includes the Vitality wellness program; Explorer Weddings, for couples looking to tie the knot in extreme style; and new family programming introducing Adventure Theater, DJ classes, Chefs on Deck, and the Crown & Anchor Society Youth Program.

With a capacity of 3,634 guests double occupancy, Liberty features the FlowRider surf simulator, cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 feet above the ocean, the H2O Zone water park and the Royal Promenade entertainment boulevard. The Presidential Family Suite sleeps up to 14 people. The ship has more than 20 restaurants and lounges aboard Liberty. Godmother Donnalea Madeley, a travel agent, will officially name the ship on May 18, and Liberty will sail its maiden voyage May 19 from its homeport of Miami. Liberty will depart on Saturdays and alternate between seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Western Caribbean itinerary will call at Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay and Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private destination in Haiti. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls at San Juan, St. Maarten and Labadee. A third Freedom-class ship, the Independence of the Seas, is scheduled to debut in Europe in May 2008. Sailing from the U.K., it will be the largest ship to be homeported in Europe. For more information, call 800-327-2056 or visit http://www.cruisingpower.com/.